The servant of God Fr. Peter E. Gillquist departed this life at 9:20 p.m. on July 1, 2012, surrounded by family. He has finished the race. Memory eternal!
July 7, 2012
Last evening ended three days of services culminating in Fr. Peter’s burial at All Saints Orthodox Cemetery in Bloomington, IN. His Grace Bp. Anthony, who presided at the funeral service, delivered an inspiring, engaging and memorable eulogy. Fr. Gordon Walker preached a truly evangelistic homily at the preceding Divine Liturgy. The Audio for both, as well as Fr. Jon Braun’s tribute, can be found at Ancient Faith Radio (http://ancientfaith.com/specials/fr._peter_gillquist_memorial). Below you will see the tri-fold sunbeams caught on film by one of the faithful at the funeral service.
We will post more photos as they become available.
We are moved by your outpouring of love. Thank you for your kind words and sincere prayers!
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In lieu of flowers it is requested that memorial donations be made payable to All Saints Church (6004 So. Fairfax Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401). Funds will be split between the building funds of All Saints Church, Bloomington, Indiana, and St. Athanasius Church, Santa Barbara, California — Fr. Peter’s two “home parishes.”
Schedule of Services for Fr. Peter E. Gillquist – July 4-6, 2012
Wednesday, July 4
6:00 p.m. Public Visitation at All Saints in Bloomington
7:00 p.m. Trisagion Service
*All Night Vigil to Follow* (Reading of the Psalter)
Thursday, July 5
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in Bloomington (Followed by transport to Carmel, IN)
5:00 p.m. Public Visitation at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (3500 W 106th St. Carmel, IN)
7:00 p.m. Trisagion Service
*All Night Vigil to Follow* (Reading of the Psalter)
Friday, July 6
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy (His Grace Bishop Anthony Presiding)
11:00 a.m. Funeral Service followed by Mercy Meal at Holy Trinity GOC
3:30 p.m. Burial Service at All Saints Cemetery in Bloomington
Accommodations near Holy Trinity Church, Indianapolis/Carmel
The following hotels currently have rooms available for Thursday night, July 5.
Jamieson Inn
10201 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46280
(317) 816-1616
Mention “$69 funeral rate”
Courtyard Marriott
10290 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46290
(317) 571-1110
Mention “Fr. Peter Gillquist” to get special $79 rate
Embassy Suites Indianapolis – North
3912 Vincennes Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(317) 872-7700
$119 king room
$139 two queen beds
Drury Hotel
9310 N. Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(317) 876-9777
$87 for King or double
June 10, 2012
In 1999, Fr. Peter E. Gillquist (retired and attached to All Saints) was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma. Miraculously, he survived through the grace of God, the prayers of the saints, and the care of physicians. His prayer was to be given more time to assist in starting more mission churches, and to grow old with his wife, Khouria Marilyn.
Now, 13 years later, he has again been diagnosed with melanoma — only now stage 4. We are awaiting further word on a prognosis and possible treatment options. Scroll down to see any updates posted on this page. God bless you.
***For Immediate Release***
June 14, 2012…
The Very Rev. Fr. Peter E. Gillquist has been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma. Fr. Peter survived a diagnosis of stage 3 melanoma in 1999 and another bout in 2010. He, Kh. Marilyn, and family await test results to determine treatment options in the management of this aggressive cancer.
The Gillquists request your prayers as they continue a lifelong journey of faith in the Great Physician, remembering that our communal prayer is for the healing of soul and body, and in the Lord’s time, a Christian ending to life, that is painless, blameless and peaceful.
Fr. Peter retired from 25 years of service to the Antiochian Archdiocese as Director of the Department of Missions and Evangelism in January. He is attached to All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Bloomington, Indiana, where his son, Fr. Peter Jon, serves as pastor.
June 19, 2012
Fr. Peter is in the hospital tonight with a fever. His physician felt it would be the best place for him to receive care as the doctors search for a possible infection causing this elevated temperature. Thank you for your continued prayers.
June 20, 2012
Fr. Peter is still in the hospital. During tests early this morning to determine the cause of his fever, it was discovered that his cancer is moving even more quickly than anticipated, and has spread to some of his vital organs. Fr. Peter’s children are travelling now to be with him and Kh. Marilyn. Your prayers for their safe travel, and for Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn’s continued peace during this time of illness are appreciated.
June 22, 2012
Our family shared a special time in the hospital room with Fr. Peter this morning, reading aloud your kind words of encouragement which have been posted on this site. Thank you for your continued prayerful support.
June 24, 2012
Fr. Peter is still in the hospital, surrounded by his wife, children, and a grandchild who is carrying his first great-grandchild. More family will be en route to Bloomington throughout the week.
We discovered today that reading your posts is not only encouraging to Fr. Peter, but also a helpful diversion from his physical pain.
As will happen, it seems there is some mis-information being circulated on the internet regarding Fr. Peter’s condition. Please always refer to this site for up-to-date and accurate information from those at his bedside.
June 25, 2012
We have been anticipating test results regarding possible treatment options, and today we received news that no cancer treatment would be of positive effect in Fr. Peter’s case. Therefore, the emphasis of his care is on pain management and prayer, so we are working on both. Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn, and their children are strengthened through your prayers.
June 27. 2012
Fr. Peter is sleeping more and more each day. He will be transferred to a hospice facility this afternoon, where his family will continue to participate in his care and comfort management, together with a 24-hour nursing staff. Your continued prayers for a peaceful journey are appreciated more than you know.
June 29, 2012 – The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
Blessed feast day, dad. Fr. Peter has been in a hospice facility since Wednesday afternoon. When our family first heard about a hospice house, we were unsure what to expect. What we have found has been a blessing beyond what we can express: a large living room with couches and a kitchenette, a smaller, intimate sitting room, a chapel, a sizible outdoor deck, and eight large bedrooms, most of which look out into the woods. Currently, only half of the rooms are occupied by patients. At the foot of Fr. Peter’s bed is a four foot wooden shelf, which holds icons of Christ, the Theotokos, St. Peter the Apostle, St. Nectarios, and many of the holy unmercinaries. Vigil lamps burn around the clock, and at least one family member is with Fr. Peter at all times.
Presently, Fr. Peter sleeps most of the day. When he is awake, he asks for prayer. The family gathers to pray and sing, and he sings with us. These are the things we will remember all our lives.
The prayers you offer and the words you post here are such a source of encouragement to all of us. Thank you for your love and support as we continue this journey together.
July 1, 2012 – Saints Cosmos and Damian
These are holy days. God is so merciful, loving, and compassionate.
After the Liturgy of Ss. Peter and Paul Thursday night, Fr. Peter asked for prayer at the Hospice House. Fr. Peter Jon arrived around 10 p.m. and asked, “Dad, would you like to receive communion tonight or tomorrow?” Fr. Peter stated clearly that he would like communion right away, so we began to pray and sing. Although it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to speak in complete sentences, Fr. Peter recited all the prayers by heart and sang perfect harmony with the communion hymns. Then he went to sleep. That is the last food he has consumed — the Bread of Life, and thr Fountain of Immortality.
Fr. Peter didn’t awaken again until the following evening at 9:00 p.m. (Friday), when the wheels of Fr. Gordon Walker’s car hit the driveway. Fr. Gordon had driven six hours to be with his friend of 50 years in his time of need. They talked a while, smiled a lot, and then Fr. Peter went back to sleep following evening prayers.
The following morning (Saturday), we all gathered in Fr. Peter’s room for morning prayers, as he slept. Around 3:00 p.m., Fr. Peter awoke and asked if Fr. Gordon would hear his confession, which he did. Then a call was placed to Fr. Jon Braun, and the three old friends shared a few minutes together, talking about heaven. Then Fr. Peter fell asleep again.
Since that time, his vitals have changed dramatically, and he appears to be making the final sprint for the finish line. “Finish the race” is what his family members whisper in his ear. We are gathered by his bedside in prayer, Scripture-reading, and song. Finish the race, dad. We love you so much.
July 1, 2012
The servant of God Fr. Peter E. Gillquist departed this life at 9:20 p.m. surrounded by family. He has finished the race. Memory eternal!
“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!”
Funeral arrangements will post tomorrow morning.
Dear Fr. Peter, his precious wife, Marilyn, and his children,
Many many prayers for peace, love, comfort and acceptance of His will…
May God hold you all in the loving warmth of his hand.
In Christ,
Ann
Upon coming home from being with you I found my house a wreck..and not just from my poor housekeeping skills……. lots of construction going on. Our internet disconnected.. along with our phone line which is connected. I finally sneaked away to McDonald’s for a diet coke and to get access to their wifi. I have skimmed through these posts and read a few…… boy do I feel honored to be part of this family. It is true… part of the reason I fell in love with Greg is his admiration for his mother and father, such a shining example of love in Christ. Like Ginger said… I ADORE THIS FAMILY. I love you all so much and miss you greatly right now. I wish I could be there holding your hand some more… giving you more hugs….. and just being with you….. I am ….. very grateful to be part of such a wonderful family. Time to scoot off and get back to the family. – Jennifer
I read “Becoming Orthodox” in the spring of 1991, and converted to Orthodoxy later that year.
Thank you, Fr. Peter.
You are in my prayers.
From our first meeting in 74, to the hearth in Eagle River Big House, to the many teachings and encouraging homilies, it was always obvious that you were a great man of God. Enthusiasm and love just leapt from you. You led us on the path to Orthodoxy and we were more than blessed to follow you. Along with Father Harold in Alaska, you strengthened us in faith and understanding. With great sorrow for all who knew you, you will be sorely missed. But also with great joy, life’s greatest mystery will soon be revealed as Christ Himself welcomes you to His presence, good and faithful servant. God willing, we’ll see you soon. One last request please Father. Greet our brothers and sisters who have gone before us and intercede for us. You and your family remain in our prayers. Forgive me.
Godfather Peter, Marilyn, and Family,
Our Godfather, dear Marilyn, and beloved family. We love you! Oh heavenly Father Abba, we praise You, honor You, thank You, glorify You, and love You. Please forgive us and have mercy on us all in Jesus Name we pray. We ask you to touch Peter, fill him with your Precious Holy Spirit, and keep him and all of his loved ones together forever in heaven knowing and loving each other in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen!
As it is written: “We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18).
We Christians going to the clouds and joining our loved ones so WE will meet the Lord in the air to be with HIM FOREVER!
Thank YOU our loving Father, Son, Holy Spirit. We are eternally grateful. Jesus, we trust in You forever. Ave Maria, Mother of God.
We love you Rev. Fr. Peter, Marilyn, Rev. Fr. Peter Jon (my brother <), Kristina, and family.
In Jesus Christ Forever,
Servants of God Thomas, Amy, and Loving Family +
Dear Fr. Peter,
Father Bless! You and your dear family are on my mind constantly in prayer and memory.
I have read many of the postings and I know exactly how they feel. It’s hard to put in to words what you have meant to me and all of us on our journey to Orthodoxy.
I first met you in a couples home in Huntington Beach in the late 70’s. You were wearing a straw hat and had just moved to California with your family. Our little home church was joining you Fr. Jon, Fr. Gordon along with Fr. Richard and Fr. Jack, of blessed memory on the journey to Orthodoxy.
I just remember being so excited about what we were embarking on. It is the grace of God that I became a part of this movement and I thank God for the faith and dedication that you and Frs. Jon, Jack, Gordon and Richard devoted your life to.
Because of your efforts I have this wonderful life and am blessed to have deep friendships with part of your family.
You will always be in my heart and prayers.
In Christ,
Bonnie
Dearest Fr. Peter, Marilyn, and family.
My love and deepest regards go out to you at this time. Fr. Peter, you are a precious human being who has been able to convey your vision to others with a pure heart. I have particularly fond memories of reading The Physical Side of Being Spiritual, which holds an extremely important message for our culture.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Jillian
Dear Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and Family,
On behalf of the Antiochian Women North American Board, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Fr. Peter, you have been a pillar in our Archdiocese, bringing so many of the faithful to Orthodoxy. We are eternally grateful for your tireless efforts and for all of your good works. May God Bless you, Kh. Marilyn and your family, granting you all strength as you go through this difficult time. May Our Almighty God, the Physician of our Souls and Body, heal and strengthen you and grant you peace and comfort in the days to come.
In Christ,
Violet Robbat, President
Antiochian Women North American Board
Amen Violet!!
Dear Father, Khouria, and family….
prayers for your consolation and easing of pain……may you hear the words “well done good and faithful servant…”
love in Christ
Kirsti and family
Father Peter,
The definition of the word inspire is as follows: To exert an invigorate influence upon a person; animate; stir. Although it is just the beginning of our journey to Orthodoxy, we are inspired by your courage in the faith. Thank you for inspiring us to find our spiritual family.
I can not remember who said this but this quote stuck with me. “Nothing worthwhile in this life can be achieved without struggle and suffering will always lead to Christ if it is understood in light of the cross.”
Our hearts are with you and your family as we continue to pray for strength, comfort, and peace.
Chris, Rachel, and the boys
Dear Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and the entire God-loved Gillquist family,
What a blessing it has been tonight to read through all of the lovely and sincere messages to you here! It has been a beautiful walk through the years of my life, seeing messages from so many who share my love for all of you: those who grew up with me as a child, those who helped raise me while they were on their own spiritual journeys, my parents, my aunt and uncle, my godbrothers and godsisters, those whom I have met in the adult years of my life through other Orthodox circles in various parts of the U.S., those whom I knew from other circles in Memphis, clergy who have nurtured me over the years, and many others.
Only God knows the profound effect that you have had on so many people and on our beloved Orthodox Church. Today as I endeavor to raise my own four boys to love Christ and His Holy Church, as my husband and I work to help build a mission in the American Heartland, as I devote hours to Orthodox translation work, I know that I owe a debt of gratitude to you all for the ways in which you have helped lead me, my family, and many others to know God’s truth and love.
While thinking tonight about your role in my life, I was reminded of so many precious moments, but perhaps most significant is a special experience I had about sixteen years ago while living in St. Petersburg, Russia. I have devoted many years of my life to the study of Russian language partly because I so deeply love the people of that culture. In 1996, I was living in Russia and trying hard to soak in the spiritual wisdom of pious clergy, laypeople and monastics I met there. One day, I was delighted to be having a lengthy conversation with a very humble and pious priest who has since become quite dear to me. While I tried to talk to him about the spiritual life, he began asking me questions and discovered that I knew you from my childhood. In pure joy, he immediately began to interrogate me about your ministry and work in the United States. I was so surprised and touched at the way in which our cultures and life experiences were intertwining. I was begging to learn from the rich legacy of Russian piety, while at the same time he was begging to learn from my own experience with the conversion of Americans to Orthodoxy. I was humbled by that moment. Since then, he has asked about you again and again. I know that he has prayed for you over the years.
Last week I was trying to explain to a group of fellow parishioners how your family has been important in the spiritual life of my family. All I could say was this: “My earliest memories of prayer involve the Gillquist family.” Thank you all for being a part of my spiritual upbringing both directly and indirectly.
May God grant you all His peace and warm comfort. You are in my prayers.
Erin Mashburn Moulton
We pray for strength for Fr. Peter and his entire family who have done so much for so many. You have touched so many lives and we are grateful to have had you in Ventura County during our ministry here. We have loved your many works but one of my favorites has been Becoming Orthodox. We were both born into Orthodoxy but that book remains one of the most relevant to my life. We pray that our Heavenly Father will embrace you and care for you as you have embraced and cared for so many in your flock throughout the years.
Our Love,
Presbytera Christie and family
Dear Fr. Peter,
My husband, Brent, & I were saddened to hear of the latest turn in your health. Please know that our family is praying for you and your family. While sharing the news with my family, I realized that my 10-year-old twin boys, who are cradle Orthodox & baptized at St. Ignatius in Franklin, weren’t familiar with your story and the journey of the EOC. I was blessed to share it with them. When I got to the part about Metropolitan PHILIP saying “Welcome home”, I choked up with tears. When my boys asked me why, I explained that we probably wouldn’t be Orthodox today if it hadn’t been for your efforts and this blessed event. I explained that 2000 evangelical Christians became Orthodox directly because of your journey, but since then probably 200,000 (probably many more), including our family, have become Orthodox because of you and your ministry. Thank you for faithfulness to God. May He continue to bless your journey.
Dearest Fr. Peter,
I thank God for the blessing of your family in my life. It seems that from a small child, yours was my second home. You have remained in my life as an example of charity and love but most importantly as one who loves our Lord Jesus Christ. You and your family are always in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your family with me.
Fr. David Sommer
Dear Father Peter,
You have been like a father to me. I have so many fond memories of being in your home which was always a safe, loving place. You were always so kind to me even when Heidi and I were getting into trouble. You have been such an amazing example of an Orthodox Christian, father and husband. When I think of you I have such great respect and admiration and only good thoughts come to my mind. You are truly a wonderful and holy man. I am praying for God’s peace for you and your family as you take this journey home.
I love you.
Courtney
Dear Marilyn and family, How far wide Fr Peter’s influence has reached. As he used to say, re my love for him, “I have my assurance”. Never at a loss for words. Surely, you have assurance that my love is still there not only for him but all of you. He often told that upon meeting me for the first time , “It was love at firdt sight”. And so it was and thankfully remains..
Buddy
Dear Fr. Peter and the entire Gillquist family,
My love and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God’s love is shining down upon you. Thank you for all you have done for all of us in Christ’s church. My life was touched by you although you didn’t know it. I thank you and may God bless you and keep you.
Connie Monica Austin
Dear Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
Father, bless.
It was such an incredible joy and blessing to see you in Madison, MS in May for St. Peter’s 25th anniversary celebration! We are so grateful for that opportunity to see you and have you meet our son, Peter. One of Kh. Maria’s favorite memories is seeing Fr. Peter at OCMC meetings and benefitting from his wisdom, experience and love. Your presence always made her day! Thank you for being the encouragement and inspiration that you are. We are also inspired by your deep love for and commitment to eachother (and the Lord) as a couple and have kept you as an example for our own marriage. May the Lord provide you with an overabundance of love, comfort and peace at this time. We are praying for you and your family.
With love and thanks,
Fr. Daniel, Kh. Maria & Peter Basil Bethancourt
Dear Father Peter, I pray that God will take your pain away, and grant you serenity. That he will continue to bless your wife, your family, and that he will be with them always, as you will be……..you are an angel for the people God bless you>
Dear Fr. Peter,
You don’t know me, but I thank you for the many years of service and love you have given to the Church. You are well-loved, and so many of us are praying for you and for your family. Thank you so much for your faithful service. May God bless you and your family.
With love in Christ,
Elissa